Thesis title: Review of Iron Refining Clean Production Technology
Introduction
Iron refining is a process that has evolved over centuries and has been a part of human history for as long as we can remember. Iron refining involves taking a raw ore, typically a naturally occurring iron ore, and separating its components into a particular form. The process begins with the ore being crushed into small pieces and then heated to high temperatures. This heating process causes the constituents of the ore to separate, giving us the initial ore slag, which is then passed through a cast iron crucible. This process results in a pure form of iron.
This technology is essential to the production of a variety of useful items, such as construction materials, tools, trains, and ships. Unfortunately, the traditional way of refining iron is highly polluting and inefficient. As a result, this technology has been further developed over the last several decades to produce a cleaner, more efficient method of producing high-purity iron. Clean production technology has drastically changed the levels of toxic particles, air, and water pollution as well as provided new opportunities for lower energy costs and better energy efficiency.
Discussion
Iron refining is an ancient technology that has seen increasing levels of efficiency and quality over the last decades. It can be divided into three main stages: ore preparation, refining and casting.
The ore preparation stage involves the crushing of raw ore into smaller pieces, usually by using jaw crushers or hammer mills. Following crushing, the ore is roasted and mixed with a reducing agent. Finally, it is heated in a furnace at temperatures of 700°C to 1,200°C to produce molten iron and molten slag. The molten iron is then separated from the slag and poured into molds to create ingots. The slag can be used in a variety of products, such as high strength concrete and road construction.
The refining process involves splitting the slag and blending or oxidizing the iron. This reduces the impurities in the iron to a safe level that is suitable for use in industrial processes. During the refining process, different additives such as lime or coke can be added to reduce sulfur content and produce steel. The final stage of the process is the casting of the molten steel into the intended shape.
To further improve iron production, clean production technologies have been developed. These technologies can be divided into two main categories: smelting and refining. In smelting, the ore is heated in an electric furnace to melt the iron ore into a liquid form. The slag is then removed from the iron and processed further to reduce emissions. The refining process usually involves oxidizing the iron ore to remove the impurities and then casting the refined iron into its intended shape.
Clean production technologies have drastically reduced air and water pollution, which in turn, has drastically improved the quality of life in many areas. The process has also significantly improved energy efficiency, reducing energy costs and improving production speeds. Furthermore, the process often produces an end product that is of a higher quality than that of traditional refining processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, iron refining is an integral part of human history and still widely used today. The traditional method of refining is highly polluting but has been further developed over the last decades to produce a cleaner, more efficient method of producing high-purity iron. Clean production technologies have drastically reduced air and water pollution, increased energy efficiency, and improved product quality. Therefore, it can be concluded that these technologies are beneficial for both the environment and human life.
